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keeping the
a guide to ar ea chur ches
PUBLICATION • JANUARY 2020
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Keeping the Faith 2020
WISDOM STARTS WITH WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART, NOT IN YOUR WALLET There’s a better way to protect the people you love—a way that’s not just smart, but wise. At Thrivent Financial, we bring faith and finances together so your family can feel good about both. Take this opportunity to align your financial choices with what you really want for your family’s future. Call us today. John D Kirchhoff FIC, RICP® Financial Associate 815-213-7181 john.kirchhoff@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/john-kirchhoff
Larry A Cooper FIC, CLTC® Financial Associate 815-625-2200 larry.cooper@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/larry-cooper
Dawn M Kirchhoff FIC Associate 815-213-7181 dawn.kirchhoff@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/dawn-kirchhoff
Brian L Wynn FIC Financial Associate 815-970-3680 brian.wynn@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/brian-wynn Thrivent was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute 2012–2019.
“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit Ethisphere.com. Licensed agent/producer for insurance products offered by Thrivent Financial, marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Registered representative for securities offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., Minneapolis, MN. Member FINRA and SIPC. Thrivent.com/disclosures. Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 SM-ST29141-0131
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Keeping the Faith 2020
CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL 2000 18th Ave., Sterling, IL • 815-625-3800 • Rev. Russell Helbig
Preschool - 8th Grade • Fully Accredited • Controlled Class Sizes • State Recognized Curriculum • Students Score Above Average (85TH-90TH) on Stanford Achievement Test (Sat) • All Teachers Hold Active Illinois Teaching Certificates Many with Advanced Degrees • OPEN HOUSE MARCH 19, 2020 • Personalized Tour or More Information Contact Russell Helbig
Mission:
Christ Lutheran School, guided by the Holy Spirit, aspires to nurture, educate, and witness to God’s children the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in God’s word.
www.Christlutheranschool.com
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THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 3400 6th Ave. | Sterling | 815-625-6851 office@ďŹ rstchristianchurchofsterling.org
Zack Mapes, Pastor
MONTHLY KIDS NIGHT
Last Friday of Every Month includes meal, bible study and games
Tim Fischbach, Church Administrator & Minister of Music
COMMUNITY VBS in July
Sunday at 9 a.m.
MISSION PB&J
takes place at Wallace School 50-80 lunch sacks provided
SUNDAY HOURS: Coffee Connection @ 8:45 | Sunday School @ 9:00 | Worship @ 10:15
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Facts about Three Kings Day (MS) January 6 marks the close of the Christmas celebration for many Christians. On this day, known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day, people celebrate the visit of the magi to the Christ child. While some people are very familiar with this feast day and the customs surrounding it, others are less so. Here are some facts about Three Kings Day.
• Three Kings Day also goes by the names Little Christmas, Denha, Theophany, Día de los Reyes, and the Baptism of Jesus. • The Epiphany marks the twelfth day of Christmas, falling 12 days after December 25. • It is customary for some celebrants to bake ring-shaped cakes and hide a plastic baby figurine representing the baby Jesus inside. In Latin cultures, the cake is known as Rosca de Reyes, or “The King’s Ring.” • The Bible does not specifically mention the number or names of the magi who visited Jesus. However, oral tradition has it that there were three and their names were Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior. • The gifts given to Christ were gold, frankincense oil and the resin myrrh. The gifts are symbolic of Jesus?s importance. The gold represents his royal standing, frankincense his divine birth and myrrh his mortality.
• Children may leave their shoes out on the Epiphany for presents, similar to they way stockings are hung. The shoes are filled with hay or treats for the Three Wise Men’s camels. In exchange, candies and toys are left for the children. • Three Kings Day is one of the most significant religious holidays in Latin America, where the magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus. • In Britain and elsewhere, Twelfth Night is the evening that precedes the Epiphany, and Christmas decorations should remain up until then. Also, until as recently as the 1950s, Twelfth Night was a time for wassailing. Wassailers went house to house singing and wishing neighbors good health. • Until the 19th century, the Epiphany was more important than Christmas Day. • Roast lamb was traditionally served on the Epiphany. Three Kings Day is an important holiday in the Christian faith, and one that brings the holiday season to a close.
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Keeping the Faith 2020
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Trinity United Methodist Church 205 E. 10th Street, Sterling, Il. Pastor Bradford Wilson – 815-626-7777 Trinity61081@t6b.com Trinity Worship Service – Sunday 9:00 a.m., Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Communion First Sunday of the Month. Trinity Food Pantry – Hours Tues, Wed and Thurs 9:00-11:30 a.m. Referrals from Good Neighbor Emergency Center, 1701 16th Ave, Sterling. School Supply Closet – Offering free school supplies to students of all ages in Whiteside County. Hours by appointment during the school year. Regular hours to be announced during July and August. Shelves of Hope – Providing free household supplies to Veterans and those adjusting from homeless to an apartment or house. Trinity Friends meet once a month on the 4th Tuesday of each month. 11:30 a.m. with a pot luck luncheon and guest speakers. Bible Study meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. SM-ST29147-0131
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Keeping the Faith 2020
WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES
at Grace Episcopal Church are:
Every Sunday Morning 10:00am - Holy Eucharist Every Wednesday 5:00pm - Holy Eucharist 5:30pm - Bible Study Third Friday of Each Month 5:30 pm - Kids Club
707 First Avenue · Sterling, IL 61081 · (815) 625-0442
Keeping the Faith 2020
Whatever your story, you are
Welcome Here.
Love
Serve
Sunday Services 9am & 11:11am SM-ST29130-0131
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Find us on Facebook & stpaulsterling.com
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Keeping the Faith 2020
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 107 W Lahman St. Franklin Grove, IL 61031 815-456-2457 tdickey2009@hotmail.com Established in 1865 Member of LCMC since 2010 Services – Sunday 8:30 AM Sunday School for all ages after Sunday Service Prayer and Bible Study – Wednesday 6:30 PM Tied Quilting – Tuesday 9:00 AM The quilts are used for mission projects. Member of the Franklin Grove Community Church Council which sponsors various Services throughout the year Interim Pastor – Pastor Jason Karper Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 ALL ARE WELCOME! SM-ST27681-0131
Keeping the Faith 2020
Dixon First United Methodist Church
202 South Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 815-284-2849 - fumcdixon.org - facebook.com/FUMCDixon WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES Saturdays at 5 p.m.
Intimate & cozy worship service in the Chapel, off of the Peoria Avenue entrance.
Sundays at 10 a.m.
Intergenerational worship service in the main sanctuary, East parking lot entrance. Classes for adults (at 8:30am) Opportunities for your kids-from birth through grade 12
Gathering to build Christian Community Growing to be used by God to change lives Going to serve God through serving others
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Grace United Methodist Church 921 E Chamberlin St., Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-1505
Rev. Rosa Lee
http://www.Dixongraceumc.com Find us on Facebook
dixongracepastor@gmail.com
A Place You Can Serve COMMUNITY with Winter Coat Giveaway, Community Halloween Party, Summer Kids Club, etc.
A Place You Can Be Connected To GOD Sunday Service @ 9:30 AM With Kid’s Church Very Well-Prepared Children’s Sunday School
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Keeping the Faith 2020
St. Anne Catholic Church 1104 N. Brinton Avenue Dixon,, IL 815.288.3131 www.stanneparishdixon.org
Confession Times
Weekend Mass Times
Saturdays 3:30-4:30 PM
Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM
Our parish strives to foster a community and school centered on Jesus Christ.
Our school has provided academic excellence to the Dixon area for over 50 years.
Check out St. Anne’s Cottage Resale Shop at 879 Stoney Point Road in Dixon for gently used home dÊcor, baby items, and more!
A family-centered Religious Education program is offered to students of all ages who are looking for formation in the faith and sacramental preparation.
Before and After School Care is available for busy families.
Join us for First Saturday Pro-Life devotions and all-day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament!
Our students have achieved success participating in geography, math, and spelling competitions.
St. Anne School and Pre-School Academy 1112 N. Brinton Avenue, Dixon, IL 815.288.5619 stanneschooldixon.org
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Connect with faith this season
Reading scripture can be an integral part of participating in one’s religion and bringing a faithful community together. Scripture is an essential component of weekly faith services, but the Bible can be embraced any day of the week.
Even though National Bible Week may have a decidedly Christian slant, people of all religions can choose to rekindle or fully embrace their respective faiths and make them a priority this time of year. The following are just a few ways to be more faithful in honor of this event.
Many may be surprised to discover that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt first declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week in 1941. National Bible Week encourages people to read the Bible or listen to its verses. The event is sponsored by the National Bible Association and the US Catholic Council of Bishops. National Bible Week 2019 marks the 78th commemoration of the event.
• Pair youth with older adults and encourage them to read religious passages together. • Attend a religious service one or more times during National Bible Week and throughout the holiday season. • Choose a favorite piece of scripture and share with others why it is so meaningful to you. • Get a head start on the Christmas season by rediscovering Biblical passages that refer to the birth of Jesus Christ. • Visit services with a member of a different religion and learn about their texts and traditions. • Share God’s word in social media or exemplify it by being more patient, loving and supportive of people in your community.
The timing of National Bible Week was perhaps intentional. The end of November marks the beginning of the season of thanks, faith and family. It’s a time of year full of community- and family-centric holidays. Incorporating faith into the mix can make the celebrations even more complete.
Keeping the Faith 2020
ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH Masses: Saturday at 4:30 pm • Sunday 8:00 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm • First Saturdays at 8:00 am. • Monday 5:15 pm • Tuesday 8 am • Wednesday 8 am • Thursday 8 am • Friday 8 am Confessions: Saturdays 3-4 • Sundays 9 am • First Saturdays 8:30-9:30 am or by appointment *Hot, free meal served to those in need in the community Monday nights at 5:00 pm. *St. Vincent DePaul Society offers assistance to those in need with a vision for long-term self-sufficiency. *Knights of Columbus men’s fraternity plans various events and fund raisers to support the parish, schools, and various community organizations. *The Well [High School] Youth Ministry meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 7:00 pm for fellowship, faith formation, and spiritual life development. *Praise & Worship Eucharistic Adoration on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:00 pm. *Hour of Word and Song with Eucharistic Adoration on the 4th Monday of every month at 7:00 pm. *Instruction and classes for those wishing to convert to Catholicism or who need to complete their sacraments. *Light of the World Retreat Twice a year for adults looking to deepen their faith and engage more with the parish family *Totus Tuus Catholic Summer Camp for students in 1st through 6th grades for one week of the summer; evening option available for older students. (2020 hosted at St. Anne’s) *Road trip to St. Paul MN for the Steubenville Youth Conference at the end of July for students in 8-12th grades to hear nationally recognized speakers and be fortified in their faith. *Children’s and Adult Choirs for Sunday Masses *Annual Overseas Pilgrimage *Annual local Pilgrimage *Men’s Group every Saturday throughout the school year *During Lent we offer a Parish Mission as well as have Fish Fries
Dixon 815-248-7719 612 S. Highland Ave. http://stpatrickdixon.org
stpatrickdixon.org
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Keeping the Faith 2020
Franklin Grove United Methodist Church is a small church with a big heart for missions. These include a monthly Personal Essential Pantry which provides free products to the community that are not always available at a food pantry, such as paper products, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products We sponsor a summer garden program for all ages. The produce from the garden is available to the community just for the picking. We participate in a Community Church Council with the other churches in Franklin Grove. We sponsor Vacation Bible School, a crop walk, trunk or treat, and meals for seniors and shut ins. We also partner with other Methodist churches thru U.M.C.O.R. to supply disaster needs throughout the world. We sponsor a child thru Compassion International as well. Our Pastor is Satyam Sudhakar. She is available in the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Worship is Sunday at 10:30 with Sunday School from 9:30-10:15. We will be hosting an Easter egg hunt in April and a sunrise service and a regular worship on Easter. We do seasonal bible studies and have many more community outreaches in the works. 223 W. Middle St. Franklin Grove, Illinois 61031 Phone 815-456-2456 Like us on Facebook at Franklin Grove Methodist Church
If you are looking for a church with a mission, come join us.
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MORRISON CHRISTIAN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE AT 10 A.M.
INTERIM MINISTER
PASTOR LARRY & DAWN KIDWELL lkidwell51@gmail.com
201 S. GENESEE ST. MORRISON, IL 61270
YOUTH MINISTRY K THRU 8TH EVERY TUESDAY 3:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
• Crafts, Music, Fun • Character-Building Bible Less ons • Dinner provided every week
CHRIST OUR CREED, LIBERTY IN OPINION; IN ALL THINGS, LOVE SM-ST29154-0131
CHURCH CONTACT FOR MORE INFO 815-772-4325
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Keeping the Faith 2020